Scientists Developing Foods To Help You Lose Weight

At the Institute of Food Research in Norwich, England, foods are being developed that would help a person lose weight by slowing down the digestive system and triggering a signal to the brain to suppress appetite. It would control appetite by tricking the brain into thinking that you have eaten too much when you actually haven’t. The products could possibly be sold on the market in a few years.

Scientists at the University of Newcastle are testing a seaweed extract called alginate that would reduce fat absorption by cutting the level of glucose that is digested by the body before it is broken down in the large intestine. In taste testings done with several dozen people, it is found that most people felt that the foods enhanced by alginate tasted as good or even better.

Scientists in North America and Europe are developing products to control appetite, such as chemical injections and implantable devices that would interfere with the digestive system. It is not certain if appetite controlling foods could cure all cases of obesity.

The Health Benefits of Omega-3s

Omega-3s are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that are important for good health but are not naturally made by the body. They are mostly found in fish and offer good healthy benefits for the heart, eyes, joints, and brain.

Omega-3s have been found to reduce the rate of fatal and nonfatal heart attacks and can slightly lower blood pressure levels. It can reduce heart attacks by reducing inflammation and blood clots. It also slows the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can cause a heart attack. It can lower blood pressure by making it possible for blood to flow better in the veins through the reduction of plaque buildup.

Omega-3s can protect against the development and progression of retinopathy, which is the deterioration of the retina. DHA is in the omega-3 group and it is used by the photoreceptor cells of the retina in the eye. Not getting enough omega-3s in your diet can cause vision problems.

When it comes to the joints, omega-3s can improve morning stiffness and joint pain related to rheumatoid arthritis and reduce inflammation in the joints.

Omega-3s have an effect on the brain because they can increase the grey matter in the brain that is related to mood and behavior. This could help depression and improve mood and emotions.

ThermoSuit for Cardiac Arrest Patients

When a person has been revived after cardiac arrest but is still unconscious, cooling the body is the first thing done by emergency staff. Reducing the body temperature would improve the patient's chance for a full recovery. Blowing cold air over the body or using ice packs can take hours to work effectively.

Now, there is a product called a ThermoSuit that can reduce a person's body temperature in about 30 minutes. The product is a plastic suit that is filled with cold water. There are medical centers that are currently using it and say that the survival rate of their cardiac arrest patients has risen from 35 percent to 60 to 70 percent.

Pediatricians Double Vitamin D Recommendation

The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled its recommendation for the daily dose of vitamin D that children should take to try to prevent diseases, such as rickets, and they say that this decision could have life-long benefits. It is now recommended that children receive 400 international units of vitamin D per day, starting in the few days of their life.

Not getting enough vitamin D can result in the disease rickets, which causes bone-softening, stunted growth, and skeletal deformities if it is not corrected while the child is young. Babies that are breast-fed have a big risk of being vitamin D deficient but these babies can be given supplements of the vitamin.

Good sources of vitamin D include exposure to sunlight, vitamin D fortified milk, fortified cereals, tuna, mackerel, and sardines.

Oats for a Healthy Heart

Eating oats are good for a healthy heart. They are rich in dietary fiber, manganese, selenium, the antioxidant flavonoid, and magnesium. They are also rich in beta-glucan and have shown to be able to reduce the risk of heart attack and lower cholesterol levels. Eating oats on a regular basis can lower cholesterol levels by 6 to 10 percent and lower the risk of heart attack by up to 25 percent. Also adding whole grains, beans, soy, vegetables, and fruits to your diet can reduce the risk of heart attack by 40 to 60 percent.

Cooking Oils that are Healthy for You

There are oils used for cooking that are healthy to use when preparing meals. These oils have less fat and reduces the risk of developing heart disease. It is good to use olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, walnut oil, and flaxseed oil when preparing meals.

Olive oil has a high amount of monosaturated fats and polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have inflammatory and anticlotting properties. This oil can lower the risk of heart disease, reduce the chances of cancer and diabetes, and can help a person to lose weight. A diet that is rich in olive oil may have pain-relieving properties that are similar to taking a low-dose baby aspirin each day.

Canola Oil has a low level of unhealthy saturated fats and is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that is healthy for the heart. This oil can also reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Peanut oil is very effective for a healthy heart. The oil contains resveratrol, which is an antioxidant that has been found to reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease.

Sesame oil is very healthy. It is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron , and vitamin B. The oil contains sesamin and sesamolin, which both have been known to lower cholesterol and protect the liver.

Walnut oil and flaxseed oil are both high in omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed has the highest amount of omega-3s out of all non-fish foods and the oil also contains lignans, which are chemicals that could help to prevent cancer.

Leg Pain Symptom of Deadly Blood Clot

It is found that having leg pain can be a symptom of having a deep vein thrombosis. A deep vein thrombosis forms in large veins and it is usual for them to develop in the leg and groin area. It can kill a person quickly if it moves up to the lung area where it would become a pulmonary embolism.

Symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis in the leg area includes swelling, pain, a warm spot, or discoloration of the skin. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath or having pain when breathing deeply. There are many things that can cause a thrombosis, including recent surgery, broken bones, falling, pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause hormones, and being immobile for a long period of time, and the risks increase with age, especially in people over 65, and with those who smoke or are obese.

Cell Phones Bad For Kids

There have already been links between cell phone use and brain cancer. The microwave radiation that is emitted from cell phones can affect a child's brain worse than an adult because younger skulls are thinner and less protective. The worse effects come from long term and frequent use of using wireless phones. Radiation levels vary by phone and wireless phones are assigned a number called the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). It is recommended to choose a cell phone with a lower SAR rating.

The risks of tumor growth and damage decreases as a wireless phone is moved farther from the face. It is recommended that anyone using a wireless phone should use a headset or a wireless Bluetooth device.

Ways to Fight Fatigue and Sleep Better

There are many good ways to fight the feelings of fatigue and tiredness. Not getting enough sleep each day can disrupt hormones that signal your body's need for nourishment. There are foods that can help increase energy levels and help you feel satisfied without overeating.

There are certain vitamins and minerals that can have an effect on how well you sleep. Getting the right amounts of vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, iron, and magnesium can help you to have healthy sleeping patterns. Vitamin B12 helps to fight fatigue by building strong and healthy red blood cells. It may also help insomnia by having an effect on melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates sleep cycles.

Carbohydrates can help you sleep. Eating carbohydrates, such as oatmeal and whole grain products, can increase levels of serotonin to help you sleep better.

Caffeine can keep you alert. Small amounts of caffeine over the length of a day, such as 8 ounces or less each time you drink, can keep you more awake, alert and focused than a large amount would. A large amount of caffeine would peak in the bloodstream sooner than if you spread it out and take smaller doses over a length of time.

Good Posture Increase Weight Loss

It is found that good posture can help weight loss efforts. Slumping your body during a workout increases the heart rate and makes the workout seem more difficult. Pulling back the shoulder blades lets you take in more oxygen and makes it easier to work harder during exercise, which will allow your to burn more calories.

Good Ways to Ease Stress and Fatigue

Stress can trigger a surge in hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause fatigue, headaches, or back pain. There are foods and drinks that can be used to ease stress.

Carbohydrates are good at easing stress. They can boost the levels of serotonin in the brain and make you feel calmer. Serotonin is a chemical that controls the stress management system in the brain.

Dark chocolate contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine, which can improve mood and energy levels. Chocolate can have an affect on the levels of endorphins released into the brain that can ease pain and stress. It also contains tryptophan, which is a chemical that causes the release of serotonin.

It is found that combining caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, both which are present in tea, can decrease mental fatigue and improve alertness, reaction time, and memory. Black tea can help to ease stress by lowering the stress hormone cortisol.

Foods and Herbs to Try for a Healthier You

There are several foods and herbs that can be used treat medical conditions, such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, shingles, neuropathy, swelling, and autoimmune disorders. There are also certain natural foods and herbs that can be used to increase energy levels and promote a healthier body, such as blueberries, yogurt, almonds, sweet potatoes, salmon, collard greens, and black beans.

Capsaicin is an active component in chile peppers that can temporarily desensitize pain-prone skin nerve receptors called C-fibers. It can be used for people suffering from conditions that include arthritis, shingles, and neuropathy. A University of Oxford Study found that 40 percent of arthritis patients reduced half of their pain after using a topical capsaicin cream for a month and 60 percent of neuropathy patients had the same results after two months. Patients at the New England Center for Headache had a decrease in their migraine and cluster headache intensity after applying capsaicin cream inside of their nostrils.

Arnica is a herb that comes from an European flower that has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to ease pain and reduce swelling after surgery.

Aquamin is a red seaweed supplement that is good for people suffering from osteoarthritis. It is rich in calcium and magnesium and can reduce joint inflammation and help build bone. It is recommended to take 2,400 mg of it a day in tablet form.

Fish oil is effective for joint pain due to arthritis and autoimmune disorders. When fish oil is digested it breaks down into chemicals called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation. For heart health, it is recommended to take 1,000 mg each day. For osteoarthritis, it is recommended to take 2,000 to 4,000 mg per day. It is recommended to take about 8,000 mg per day for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases associated with joint pain, such as lupus.

Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM) comes from sulfur and is often used by people suffering from osteoarthritis. It can be used to prevent joint and cartilage degeneration. It works better when it is used in combination with glucosamine. It is recommended to start by taking 1.5 to 3g once daily and increase to taking 3g twice each day for more severe pain.

Blueberries can increase energy levels due to the amount of carbohydrates that they contain. They also have fiber than can suppress appetite and feelings of hunger. They also contain vitamin C. Blueberries have a substance called anthocyanin that gives them their color and can help to protect cells from damage that can cause cancer, varicose veins, and urinary tract infections.

Yogurt is healthy because it contains live bacteria called probiotics, which can help the immune system to fight off infections. It also helps to keep the intestines healthy and allow them to absorb more nutrients and energy from food. Yogurt also contains vitamin B12 that increases energy levels.

Almonds can increase energy levels because they are high in magnesium and fiber. Both are energy boosters. They are also a good source of protein and zinc.

Sweet potatoes are low in fat and high in fiber and antioxidants. They contain twice the daily recommendation of vitamin A. They also have high amounts of complex carbohydrates, which can cause a lower glycemic index, so that they digest slowly and can keep a person feeling fuller for a longer amount of time.

Fish are usually low in calories and saturated fat. They are also a good source of lean protein. Cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardine, and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect the body against heart disease. Omega-3 can also help against depression.

Collard greens are low in calories and have plenty of vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin C, which can help to increase energy levels. They also contain disease fighting antioxidants and folate. Collards and other leafy green vegetables contain magnesium and vitamin B. The combination of magnesium and vitamin B can decrease moodiness and anxiety levels.

Black beans contain iron that can increase energy levels and soluble fiber that can help a person to feel full for a longer amount of time. They are also a good source of protein.

Use Blueberries to Help Memory

Eating at least a cup of blueberries each day can improve your memory in just a matter of weeks. Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and cherries contain flavonoids, which are compounds that are contributed to the growth of brain cells. Blueberries are also phytochemical rich so that they are good at reversing age-related memory problems. They also have an effect on neurons by enhancing neuronal connections in the brain to improve cellular communications and stimulate neuronal regeneration.

The Damaging Effects of Cola Sodas

Drinking cola type sodas is very unhealthy. Just drinking 16 ounces or more of cola sodas each day can double the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. They can also contribute to hypertension, diabetes, and kidney stones. The phosphoric acid that they contain are commonly linked to kidney stones. They can also cause lower bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. Noncola sodas don't have the same impact on the kidneys but they are still unhealthy. It is a healthy idea to skip sodas altogether.

Celery For a Healthy Mind

t is found that eating celery and bell peppers can help keep your brain healthy. They both contain a plant compound called luteolin than can prevent inflammation in the brain that is connected to aging and other diseases, such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Celery also has compounds that can fight Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases.

Use Choline to Decrease Breast Cancer Risk

Choline is an organic compound that is classified as a water-soluble essential nutrient and is usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex family. It is found that getting enough choline can reduce the chances of getting breast cancer by 24 percent. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and improves memory. Choline can be found in eggs, fish, lean meat, collard greens, and beans. It is recommended that women get 425 mg of choline each day.

Best Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition where blood pressure levels are above a normal range. An adult is considered to have high blood pressure if if their blood pressure is 140 mm Hg systolic pressure and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure or higher. There are several ways of lowering blood pressure without using medication. The safest and most effective ways to lower blood pressure would include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, reducing stress, and eating a diet that is low in salt and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

There are certain vitamins and minerals that can help lower blood pressure. Vitamin C can help lower blood pressure in people that have mild or moderate hypertension. It is recommended for women to get 75 mg each day and men to get 90 mg each day. Vitamin C can be obtained through eating fruits, such as oranges, or taking supplements. Magnesium can also be taken in supplement form to relax muscles to help lower blood pressure. It is recommended to take 400 mg of magnesium.

Herbs can also be used to lower blood pressure. It is found that a red flowered species of hibiscus, called H. sabdariffa, is very effective in lowering blood pressure. A study in 2004 showed that people who drank 2 cups of hibiscus tea each day for 4 weeks lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 12 percent.

Grapefruit Juice Not Good for Prescription Medications

Grapefruit juice is not good for people taking certain prescription medication. The juice has natural enzymes that can block the body's ability to break down certain drugs and this can cause the drug's levels to increase to high levels and increase the risk of side effects. Just one glass of juice can be enough to cause problems. It is good to check the prescription label for grapefruit caution.

Why Fish Oil Is Healthy For You

Fish oil products are healthy because they contain the Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which can lower blood pressure, prevent arrhythmias, reduce inflammation, grow new brain cells, improve memory, and improve brain function. There hasn’t been a daily value set but it is recommended to consume 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA combined per day.

New Botox Alternative for Frown Lines

There is a new Botox injection alternative that is made for vertical frown lines that are between the eyebrows called Glabellar furrow relaxation. Its effects supposedly last longer than Botox and works by directing radio-frequency energy at the nerves that are connected to the forehead muscles to keep the muscles and skin from creasing. After the doctor injects local anesthesia, they would insert a pen like device under the skin and around the temple. The procedure would relax the frown muscles immediately.

The cost of Glabellar furrow relaxation costs more than Botox injections. Glabellar furrow relaxation costs $1,000 to $3,000 per treatment and Botox injections can cost between $400 and $800 per treatment.